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Live vicariously through Swoop on a Homecoming bucket list adventure

Emory celebrates Homecoming Oct. 19-25 with a wide range of activities for both students and alumni. Most events will be held virtually, opening them to more participants and exploring new takes on some time-honored traditions.

Get ready to join Swoop on multiple adventures during Emory’s Homecoming. Student activities billed as “Swoop’s Bucket List” are set for Oct. 19-24, featuring a mix of in-person and virtual fun. The Emory Alumni Association also hosts Homecoming “From the Comfort of Your Couch” Oct. 22-25 with a variety of online events, including a musical showcase featuring stars from Broadway’s “Hamilton” and Emory alumni bands Indigo Girls and the Shadowboxers.

All in-person events will follow Emory’s campus guidelines for physical distancing and wearing face coverings.

The Student Programming Council (SPC), which plans student Homecoming activities, kicks off the week with “Tropical Paradise” on Monday, Oct. 19. On-campus events will include Swoop’s Hidden Treasure Hunt and evening snacks from Tropical Smoothie Café. Everyone can relax midday with a Pure Barre yoga class via Zoom (links to all online student activities will be available closer to Homecoming). 

“Fat Tuesday” on Oct. 20 will bring tarot card readings, Eagle Mingle to meet new friends via Zoom and How to: Mixology, a chance to learn how to make some favorite refreshments — including the Live Like Swoop drink. 

“World Tour Wednesday” on Oct. 21 will feature a geocache adventure, virtual TEDx conversations and HocoHQ to test global knowledge. Members of the Indian Cultural Association also will lead an online Bollywood dance session.

The annual Emory’s Got Talent show (HocoFest) will be the highlight of “Swoopchella” on Oct. 22 at 7 p.m. Watch 15 student performances — both live in person and via Zoom — and see who takes home the cash prize. 

First-year students will have a special dinner on campus Friday, Oct. 23. The evening will conclude with SkitFest as first-year residence halls perform skits via Zoom. Watch to cheer on your favorite hall.

“Comedian Cap-off” wraps up SPC activities on Saturday, Oct. 24, at 7 p.m. “A Comedic Conversation about Talking to the Other Side” will feature Michael Kosta from the “Daily Show” and Dylan Marron from the hit podcast “Conversations with People Who Hate Me.”

“SPC is still dedicated to cultivating a community that reminds Emory students of the spirit back here in Atlanta,” says SPC member Ria Puri. “Homecoming is an incredible opportunity for students who are missing campus to reconnect with their friends, professors and other students. Regardless if you are on or off campus, we’re excited about Homecoming and hope to see you during the activities.”

Events bring the Emory community together virtually

Homecoming also brings many activities for alumni and the entire Emory community.

While nothing can completely replace the traditional in-person Homecoming, this year’s virtual format has its own set of unique advantages, giving attendees the opportunity to experience a variety of interactive programming (live and on-demand) and opening up the event to Emory community members who normally might not be able to visit campus.

Registration for events from Oct. 22-25 is free and open to all alumni, faculty, staff, students, friends of Emory and their families.

The lineup will feature events ranging from film screenings and musical performances to special lectures and conversations hosted by Emory faculty, alumni and special guests. Select highlights include:

  • Sydney Harcourt and Lexi Lawsonwill reprise their Broadway “Hamilton” roles of Aaron Burr and Eliza, and join the Indigo Girls and Shadowboxers in an exclusive Homecoming Musical Showcase (Saturday, Oct. 24, at 2 p.m.).
  • Bernice King 90L 90T and Rev. Dr. Robert M. Franklin Jr. will discuss the extraordinary lives of U.S. Rep. John Lewis and the Rev. C.T. Vivian (Friday, Oct. 23, at 12 p.m.).
  • A casual couch-to-couch conversation with Emory President Gregory L. Fenves (Saturday, Oct. 24, at 1 p.m.).
  • “The Winning Mindset,” with Emory Athletics coaches, features alumni and student-athletes discussing overcoming adversity in challenging times (Saturday, Oct. 24, at 8 p.m.). 

View the full schedule and register here.

Homecoming Weekend also coincides with Family Weekend. Families can participate in any activities found on the Homecoming 2020 website.

Families also are invited to join a special virtual session on Sunday, Oct. 25, with President Fenves and university leaders. Visit the Family Weekend website for more information.


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